How to make an observation with iNaturalist Next

Modified on Mon, 9 Sep at 11:34 AM

Use iNaturalist Next's AI Camera to make an observation!

If you have not already given permission for iNaturalist Next to access your camera, photo gallery, and location, you may be prompted to do so during this process. Learn more about iNaturalist Next permissions.

Tap on the AI Camera button at the bottom of the screen to open it.
It may take a few seconds for the AI Camera to load.
Point the AI Camera at an organism and it will begin suggesting identifications to you. Tap the green button at the bottom to take a picture when you think it has identified the organism. Note that not every organism will be identifiable to the species level.
You will be presented with a list of identification suggestions. Tap on a checkmark to select that species as your observation's identification. Tap on "i" for more information about that taxon, such as its occurence map or more photos of it, if available. Tap on the search icon (magnifying glass) in the upper right-hand corner to search for and select a taxon if none of the suggestions look correct to you.
Once you have chosen an identification, the next screen displays your observation's details and allows you edit them. The date, time, and location should automatically be filled in. You also have the option to add more photos to the observation, change the observation's geoprivacy setting, mark the organism as captive/cultivated, or write a note about the observation.
Tap either the Save or Upload Now button. Tapping Save will save the observation so you can manually upload it to iNaturalist when you want to, and Upload Now will attempt to upload the observation immediately, if your internet connection is stable. Once successfully uploaded, your observation will be public for anyone to see, and for anyone on iNaturalist to identify or comment on.
Check the Activity section later to see if anyone has identified or commented on your observation!